NCAA denies Michael Dyer's request

JONESBORO, Ark. -- The NCAA has denied former Auburn running back Michael Dyer's request to be immediately eligible to play this season at Arkansas State.

Red Wolves coach Gus Malzahn disclosed the news Thursday.

Dyer, who was the first Tiger tailback to rush for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons, transferred to Arkansas State in January and went through spring practice. The Arkansas native and former Little Rock Christian standout had applied for a waiver to be immediately eligible to play this season, but Malzahn said the NCAA denied the request.

Dyer was the offensive MVP of the 2011 national championship game as a freshman and was named to the Southeastern Conference Coaches' All-Freshman Team. He set the Tigers' freshman rushing record with 1,093 yards.